A UK-wide consortium led by the John Innes Centre aims to enhance surveillance and response to Xylella fastidiosa, a devastating bacterial plant pathogen. The £4.85m BRIGIT programme will improve diagnosis and detection methods, identify potential factors for its spread, and prepare to minimize its impact on the UK.
Researchers used PET scans to track TB drug levels in a rabbit model and human patients, revealing that current treatments may not be effective due to poor penetration of the drug into infected brain lesions. The study aims to optimize treatment by tailoring doses for individual patients based on imaging results.
A study found that interventions in dog populations could significantly reduce rabies transmission in rural China. The research analyzed genomic and epidemiological data from a re-emerging rabies outbreak in Yunnan, China, and estimated transmission rates between dogs and humans.
Researchers from Lobachevsky University developed a new diffusion-drift model to analyze the effect of ionizing radiation on submicron semiconductor devices. The locally non-equilibrium approximation accurately describes fast relaxation processes and calculates the probability of device failure.
Geckos use four distinct strategies to run on water: surface tension, leg slapping, semi-planing, and tail swishing. They achieve speeds exceeding those of larger aquatic animals, such as ducks and muskrats, due to their unique combination of locomotive capabilities.
Researchers developed a novel method to adjust catalyst nanoparticle size during continuous flow, optimizing chemical reactions and reducing testing time. The technique improved the performance of metal-carrier catalysts, producing desired compounds with specific properties.
Researchers developed a new approach to prevent malaria by targeting the parasite at an earlier stage in its lifecycle. They tested over 500,000 chemical compounds and identified 631 promising candidates that could form the basis for new drugs.
Researchers developed a method for creating a fluoride-ion electrochemical cell capable of operating at room temperature using a chemically stable liquid fluoride-conducting electrolyte. The new study presents a breakthrough in achieving low-temperature operating FIBs, with potential applications in high-energy-density batteries.
Researchers have detected helium escaping from the atmosphere of HAT-P-11b, a planet equivalent in size to Neptune, revealing an extended cloud that is inflating the planet like a balloon. The study provides new insights into the extreme atmospheric conditions found around the hottest exoplanets.
A new study has found that increased marine temperatures and reduced oxygen availability led to the extinction of nearly 96% of ancient ocean life during the catastrophic end-Permian mass extinction event. Tropical marine animals were more resilient to these changes, highlighting a potential pattern for future extinction events.
Researchers at the University of Arizona are developing fog computing to address high-speed data demands in applications like telemedicine and smart transportation. By moving data processing closer to users, fog computing reduces latency and enables real-time decision-making.
Rice University engineers have developed a microfluidic device that can produce customizable, 'wet' foams in small amounts for various applications. The device creates large bubbles in the middle and two ranks of identical smaller bubbles along the edges, with the ability to control size distribution.
Researchers found that targeted cognitive training improved verbal learning and auditory perception scores in patients with severe schizophrenia. The treatment, which used computerized brain games to target specific neural pathways, was effective regardless of age, clinical symptoms, or medication duration.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a system to manipulate electrons based on their energy and momentum, enabling controlled partitioning of electron flow. This technology could potentially be used to create 'color-coded' roads for electrons, revolutionizing the field of electronics.
Researchers precisely cut a widespread DNA region from the genome using genome editing, revealing its role in cardiovascular disease. The 9p21.3 haplotype causes abnormalities in vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to heart attacks and stroke. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for millions worldwide.
Researchers found that hysterectomy in rats with intact ovaries led to a memory deficit, suggesting the uterus may have functions beyond reproduction. The study tested rats with different types of menopause surgical interventions and found that only those with just the uterus removed had a negative effect on working memory.
A Stanford study found that methotrexate damages brain cells, leading to cognitive impairment. Researchers identified a potential remedy and hope to improve treatment for cancer survivors struggling with debilitating side effects.
Research from Boston Children's Hospital finds that engaging families in hospital communication can significantly reduce harmful medical errors. The intervention, Patient and Family Centered I-PASS, improves patient experience while maintaining safety and efficiency.
Ning Jiang, a UT Austin researcher, will investigate immune cell behavior in neurodegenerative diseases with a $2.5 million grant. This funding supports a collaborative project aiming to improve understanding of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania have developed new diagnostic tools to measure PARP-1 and glutamine levels in breast cancers. These biomarkers can help identify patients most likely to benefit from targeted therapies, offering a non-invasive way to guide treatment.
A team of researchers from the RI-MUHC discovered a new human disease called combined immunoficiency (CID) and its genetic cause ICOSLG. The disease is characterized by a weakened immune system, making patients susceptible to recurrent life-threatening infections.
The website tracks flu cases in Houston's eight-hospital system, offering real-time data on influenza A, B, RSV, and other pathogens. This tool helps physicians make informed decisions by providing timely information, often just hours or days before CDC data becomes available.
A randomized trial found that low-dose tamoxifen (5 mg/day) halved the risk of disease recurrence and new disease in women with DCIS, LCIS, and ADH. Treatment was well-tolerated without significant adverse events.
A study of Mexican nurses found that most have a positive perspective on their workplaces, but also face understaffing and lack of support. The research highlights the importance of improving nursing workforce factors to influence patient outcomes and work environment quality.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a new organic plastic material that can reliably conduct electricity in up to 220 degrees Celsius, stable across a wide temperature range. This breakthrough technology has the potential to improve applications such as sensors and solar cells in extreme temperatures.
Researchers developed a biodegradable and renewable composite material from date palm fibre biomass, showing increased tensile strength and improved impact resistance. The material has the potential to reduce fuel consumption and C0<sub>2</sub> emissions in vehicles.
A systematic review of literature found that cardiac rehabilitation attendance is associated with improved sexual function and sexual frequency in patients with cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the effectiveness of sexual counseling interventions to improve sexual health outcomes.
Researchers have successfully developed a new vanadium alloy that is strong at high temperatures and can be used in the manufacturing of the fusion reactor blanket. The alloy, composed of 92% vanadium, has improved ductility due to high purity production methods, making it suitable for welding and machining without breaking.
Researchers have developed a novel 3D imaging technique called COBRA that visualizes the atomic and electron density structure of complex perovskite crystal structures. This breakthrough enables the study of materials with unique properties, such as ferroelectricity and superconductivity.
A new virus- and oncogene-free induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has been developed to produce safer pluripotent stem cells from cord blood and peripheral blood. This approach aims to address safety challenges inherent with pluripotent stem cell therapies.
Researchers identified common characteristics among resilient food organizations, including formal emergency planning, staff training, and redundant supply chains. These factors enable the recovery of smaller, less-resourced organizations in crisis situations.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a blood test that detects different populations of tau fragments, which are specifically elevated in Alzheimer's disease. The test has shown promise in initial studies with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, but further validation is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Scientists at DKFZ developed XRNAX to analyze interactions between all RNA classes with cellular proteins. The new method identifies hundreds of previously unknown protein-RNA bindings and sheds light on diseases including cancer, ALS, and viral infections.
A study published in Nature Communications identifies extracellular DNA degradation as a key mechanism of lung inflammation induced by silica exposure. Treatment with DNase I may prevent silica-induced lung inflammation, suggesting a new therapeutic target for silicosis.
A recent study found that Tehran is experiencing rapid land subsidence due to groundwater depletion and exploitation. The city's surface has sunk by several meters, posing significant environmental concerns, including cracks in building walls and crevices in the ground.
A recent study found that 40% of protoplanetary disks surrounding young stars in the Taurus region have ring structures suggesting nascent planets. These findings coincide with exoplanet statistics, supporting the idea that super-Earths and Neptunes are the most common type of planets.
A recent rat study published in the Endocrine Society's journal found that hysterectomy can cause short-term memory loss in rats. Removing the ovaries alongside the uterus did not result in a similar impairment, suggesting a unique negative effect of hysterectomy on brain function.
A new study by USC and other universities finds that increasing fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles will bring about significant economic benefits, including $112 billion in estimated savings. The research contradicts the Trump administration's claim that such rules would lead to too many highway deaths.
A comprehensive statistical modeling study found that statins are recommended far too often, with the benefits outweighing the harms only in people with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers recommend discussing individual risk and side effects with doctors before taking statins as a preventive measure.
A study found that obese patients with 'metabolically healthy obesity' had less deterioration in heart structure and function, leading to better survival rates. Metabolically healthy obese patients also had the best chance of survival compared to those with metabolic risk factors.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that kainate receptors affect the development of brain cells immediately after birth, causing increased activity and dendrite growth. The discovery sheds light on the role of glutamate receptors in early maturation of nerve cells.
Researchers found that disaster media coverage can have lasting effects on children's mental health, impacting not only in school but also in response to future disasters. Teachers and parents are often the first source of support for students affected by disasters.
A study published in JCI Insight found that a specific subset of immune B cells, CD19+IgM+, can delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in mice. This discovery opens up new possibilities for developing therapies targeting this disease subtype.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to transfer entire 2D circuits to any smooth surface, enabling the creation of atom-flat sensors that seamlessly integrate with devices. This breakthrough allows for the monitoring of performance without adding weight or hindering signal flow in optical fibers.
A large study found that taking metformin reduced weekly pregnancy weight gain, but did not improve other pregnancy outcomes. The research supports the need for pre-pregnancy dietary and lifestyle interventions to break the cycle of intergenerational obesity.
Researchers discovered that wild African fruit flies prefer marula fruits over citrus and are seasonal specialists in their ancestral forests of Zimbabwe. This finding provides clues into how the flies first came to live among humans, attracted by the scent of marula.
A national study suggests that kidneys from deceased donors with acute kidney injury have the same success rates as non-injured kidneys, and may be a valuable resource for patients in need of transplantation. The study found no significant differences in organ rejection rates or recipient outcomes between AKI and non-AKI kidneys.
A study by Yale scientists reveals that native species dominate New York City's natural areas, containing over 5 million trees, rather than just street trees. This finding highlights the need for conservation policies and management strategies focused on these spaces to manage biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The study found that accelerated partial breast irradiation (PBI) was not statistically superior to whole breast irradiation (WBI) in preventing ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence. However, PBI showed promise as a less burdensome treatment option for some women, with smaller differences in relapse-free interval and grade 3 toxicity.
A study in Biological Psychiatry found that individuals with childhood maltreatment have altered brain networks, but those who are resilient may have additional changes that compensate for the effects of maltreatment. These changes can help predict susceptibility or resilience to psychiatric symptoms.
A new study reveals geckos use a unique combination of slapping, surface tension, and their superhydrophobic skin to scurry across the water's surface. This behavior is ideal for developing robots that can mimic the animal's aquatic agility in search and rescue missions.
Researchers identify a new strain of Yersinia pestis in ancient DNA, suggesting it may have contributed to the decline of Neolithic European settlements. The strain is believed to have evolved before mass migrations from the Eurasian steppe, spreading through trade routes and infecting mega-settlements with poor sanitation.
A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that more than three quarters of French-speaking adults in Quebec fall short of meeting Canada's dietary guidelines. The study suggests that stronger public health policies are needed to support healthier dietary habits and reduce chronic disease risk.
Researchers discovered geckos' unique locomotion method, combining leg slapping, skin surface tension, and tail propulsion. The findings could inspire rapid swimming robots for search and rescue operations.
Researchers have discovered a hormone, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), is extremely elevated in mice with liver disease mimicking methylmalonic acidemia. FGF21 levels can predict liver severity and inform treatment decisions. The study may also shed light on common disorders like fatty liver disease and obesity.
Researchers identified microRNA-668 as a key player in protecting kidney cells from damage caused by acute kidney injury. By upregulating this microRNA, the protective pathway can prevent most of the damage and allow cells to function ideally until blood and oxygen are restored.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a zinc-based regenerative drug that selectively targets insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, potentially paving the way for more appealing alternatives to insulin injections. The method uses chelation to deliver a drug to beta cells, which have a strong affinity for zinc.
A study by researchers at the University of Queensland found that newborns with vitamin D deficiency had a 44% increased risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia as adults. Ensuring pregnant women have adequate levels of vitamin D may result in the prevention of some schizophrenia cases.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed EXoO, a new molecular tool that decodes where specific sugars are attached to proteins. The study successfully identified new markers for cancers and other diseases by mapping O-glycan sites on human blood, tumors, and immune cells.
A phase III trial found that using circulating tumor cell count to guide treatment choice can lead to a significant gain in overall survival. Patients with estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer who received chemotherapy based on high CTC counts had better progression-free and overall survival rates.